It proved a sweet night for Geoff Moylan's Buccaneers under the lights at Dubarry Park as they ran in three tries to Ballymena's one for a deserving victory.

The Pirates seemed up against it in the first half as a 38th-minute try from Ireland Sevens international Michael McComish, converted by impressive kicker Dirkie Strydom, who slotted penalties on 5, 7 and 16 minutes, handed Ballymena a 16-12 half-time lead.

The Braidmen's interval advantage, on a bitterly cold midlands night, would have been more but for their defence allowing Buccs scrum-half Conor O'Loughlin and winger Ted Robinson in for two tries, before the break.

Buccs' line-up was bolstered by Connacht's first choice fly-half Paul Warwick, who was making his long overdue debut for the Pirates since moving to Ireland from Australia. Another Ireland Sevens international Mark Bruce, who signed from Loughborough in the summer, also put in an impressive cameo on the right wing.

Buccs really got motoring when Warwick's 32nd-minute crossfield kick was gathered in by Robinson for a converted try. Although Ballymena back row McComish was allowed over for a quick reply, three successive penalties from the boot of Buccs full-back Tom Cregan saw the home side push 21-16 ahead by the 66th-minute.

The final blow for Steph Nel's visiting side came, two minutes from the finish, when lock David Kelly burrowed over after a converted try after a well-judged break off a scrum from David Quinlan.

Buccaneers face De La Salle Palmerston in the First Round proper on Saturday, December 17 next.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt praised the squad's 'immense character' following the 27-24 GUINNESS Series success against Australia. Meanwhile, captain Rory Best reflects on 'an emotional day' as he made his 100th appearance for his country.

Irish Rugby TV brings you a behind the scenes look at Ireland's final GUINNESS Series game against Australia. Joe Schmidt's men marked captain Rory Best's 100th cap with a superb 27-24 victory over the Wallabies.

Saturday's GUINNESS Series clash with Australia marks Michael Kearney's last game as Ireland team manager. We spoke to him about five memorable years in the role. Watch out for a couple of special cameos!

We're ready to create something legendary. A showcase for rugby nations old and new. A tournament that will grow the game globally, promote the values, spirit and ethos of rugby and will capture the world's imagination. #Ireland2023 - Liam Neeson gives voice to Ireland's bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023.

Tickets are now on sale for the first ever Women's November International Series to be held in the UCD Bowl. Kids go free with any adult tickets. Ireland will face world champions England, top ranked Canada and the Black Ferns of New Zealand.

Tournament Director Garrett Tubridy sets the scene for an exciting weekend of rugby at UCD where 16 Women's Sevens teams will battle it out at for one qualifying spot for the Rio Olympics. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie/sevens.

Tadhg Furlong reflects on a disappointing day for Ireland against South Africa. However, he will take positives from his first Test start and be ready to build for the final match of the series in Port Elizabeth.

Paddy Jackson is preparing for Ireland's second Test against South Africa on Saturday (kick-off 5pm local time/4pm Irish time). The Ulster out-half has been checking out Ellis Park in advance of the match.